Household Hazardous Materials:
Retailers Consumer Education Program

What Retailers Need to Know

It is the policy of the state of Iowa to educate Iowans regarding the hazardous nature of certain household products, proper use of the products, and proper methods of managing residual product and containers in order to protect the public health, safety and the environment.

Iowa law requires retailers that sell household hazardous materials (HHMs) to obtain an annual permit and participate in a consumer information program by providing Department supplied education materials. Iowa law also requires retailers that sell certain HHMs to accept these used HHMs for recycling and reuse and in some cases, to post the nearest location where used HHMs are collected for recycling and reuse. For information on obtaining a Retailer Permit click here.

Retailer Signs

• Motor Oil:

  Retailers selling motor oil are required to accept used oil from the public for recycling or reuse or post a sign indicating the name and address of the nearest location where the public can take used oil for recycling or reuse. The sign must also state that it is unlawful to dispose of used oil in a sanitary landfill.

  For additional information on the collection of used oil from the public see 567- Chapter 119 of the Iowa Administrative Code or contact the DNR.

  Retailer's used oil signs can be obtained by contacting the DNR or can be downloaded by clicking here. Used oil collection locations are available in the Iowa Automotive Directory or by contacting the Department.

• Oil Filters:

  Changes to Iowa Code 455D.13 during the 2008 legislative session requires retailers that sell oil filters to accept used oil filters or post a sign informing the public of the nearest used oil filter collection site. Changes to Iowa Administrative Code 567 Chapter 119 to reflect this new legislation is underway.

  For additional information on the status of amendments to Chapter 119or the collection of used oil filters in general, contact the DNR.

  Retailer's used oil filter signs can be obtained by contacting the DNR or can be downloaded by clicking here. Used oil filter collection locations are available in the Iowa Automotive Directory or by contacting the Department.

• Lead Acid Batteries:

  Retailers selling lead acid batteries shall accept used lead acid batteries from customers who purchase a new lead acid battery. Retailers must also post a sign that states land disposal of lead acid batteries is prohibited and that state law requires retailers to accept lead acid batteries for recycling when a new lead acid battery is purchased.

  Retailer's lead acid batteries signs can be obtained by contacting the DNR or can be downloaded by clicking here. Used lead acid battery collection locations are available in the Iowa Automotive Directory or by contacting the Department.

• Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs)

  Retailers selling CRTs are not required to accept used CRTs for recycling and reuse. Retailers may voluntarily post a sign which indicates where consumers can take their used CRTs for recycling and reuse, and describes the hazardous nature of CRTs, and proper management of used CRTs. CRT signs can be obtained by contacting the DNR or can be downloaded by clicking here. CRT collection locations are available by visiting http://www.iowadnr.gov/waste/recycling/files/crtsites.pdf or by contacting the Department.